Health Psychology, MS

USciences takes you deep inside the questions at the hub of health psychology: how does physical health affect state of mind? In what ways do thoughts and behaviors influence mental and physical wellness?

Select from a thesis-option—with rigorous courses based in applied experimental psychology— preparing you to pursue your doctoral degree. Or a non-thesis track, where you will thrive in health-related research and be prepared for clinical research coordination, health communications, medical school, public health programs, or additional graduate study with a clinical focus.

Courses cost $1,000 per credit and the program is typically completed in a year and a half.

What Sets Us Apart?

USciences is one of the only master’s programs in the country with a curriculum focused specifically on health psychology.
You’ll receive one-on-one mentorship from a specific faculty member and work alongside your mentor in the research lab to gain additional experience.
Low student-to-faculty ratio.
Breadth and depth of our coursework including: neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, research methodology and management, evidence based practice, and behavior change.
A 15-credit graduate certificate in health education and communication to put you a step above your peers.

News

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Anthropology Professor Researches Gender and Health During Sabbatical in Oaxaca, Mexico
November 19, 2019
Michelle Ramirez PhD, MPH, associate professor of anthropology, recently took a sabbatical to further her research of gender, sexuality, and health in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Cohen Lecture 2019: Climate Change Offers an Opportunity for Public Health Advances
October 29, 2019
For global climate expert Jonathan Patz MD, MPH, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director of the Global Health Institute, the challenges posed by climate change, pose an incredible opportunity to impact public health.
The Science of Giving: What Fuels Our Desire to Help Others?
October 17, 2019
Donating to a GoFundMe, feeding the homeless at a soup kitchen, or collecting school supplies for underserved communities. These acts of generosity are all ways to help others, yet they often boost the happiness of the donor. This positive effect isn't a coincidence; studies show there is science behind the act of giving.
Lab Harnesses the Power of Play to Boost Mathematic Achievement in Preschoolers
September 23, 2019
It isn't uncommon to hear the sound of children laughing while calling out numbers, followed by an enthusiastic, "good job!" as you near the lab of Vinaya Rajan PhD, assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience. Though it has the traditional sounds of an elementary school classroom, it's true students are in college, learning developmental psychology research through the Cognition, Learning, and School Success (CLASS) lab run by Dr. Rajan.
OT Student Explores Research Opportunities at Summer Institute
August 12, 2019
Nancy Greene MS'16 (Health Psychology), DrOT'20 participated in the American Occupational Therapy Association's Summer Institute for Future Scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina where she learned about research opportunities and built a network of peers.